Atleti – Would this proposal by Platini affect Spain in the same way that it affects England (in terms of handing a Champions League spot to the Copa del Rey winner)?

Bobby - My understanding is that it would impact on the countries that receive four spots every year.

Curtains – Bert Trautmann wasn't British. He was a German POW before he started playing soccer in England.

Bobby – I think you have to appreciate that Charlton “wrote” the first autobiography in 1964 when they were only a handful of non-British players who had ever played in England. When he said it was his British XI I’m sure he meant it to cover players who had played in Britain rather than actually being British. Trautmann was never capped by West Germany but he did play for and captained the English Football league in a League international. These types of internationals were fairly popular for a time. The teams were based on the league you played in rather than your nationality. I think Denis Law may have played for the Italian League while he was with Torino.

Gaza - Would be nice to hear a comment from you on a subject of Chelsea performance. I think they look really boring, playing this sort of midfield soccer. And what I do not understand is why Shevchenko and Joe Cole are not involved at all. They both showed pretty good form in their international games.

Bobby – I did not watch Chelsea on the weekend as I was flying to Toronto for the MLS game so it would not be fair of me to comment. Having said that I guess my question back to you is what’s the difference between Chelsea’s performances this season so far and their performances over the last three seasons under Mourinho?
I didn’t think Cole looked to be anything special against Germany and I didn’t catch Shevchenko against Uzbekistan.  

wyofc - If they terminate Yallop (or if he quits) and they do the un-thinkable and hire Klinsmann - what else does the Galaxy need to do to start winning? Also, do you think the next coach will keep Landon or let him go? Is there any chance of them making the playoffs?

Bobby – I think in the case of the Galaxy they need a complete makeover. The bottom line is that they are a very poor team and David Beckham alone is not going to turn them around. I cannot see them making the play offs given their schedule and player pool – rather than battling for a play off spot it is probably a case of avoiding finishing in last place this season. As for Landon Donovan’s future my gut tells me that LA will try to keep him around but if they could use him as trade-bait to strengthen the side overall it might prove to be too tempting to resist. 

Therealrico - What is your opinion of Chris Coleman being the Nats head coach? And do you think there is a snowball's chance that would ever happen?

Bobby – It is an intriguing suggestion but I would have to say that it is a real outside chance. Coleman is very much schooled in the UK style and has no experience in international competition as a manager.

MasMaz - Please enlighten me, how can the linesman signal that Schmeichel has come off his line and the referee choose to ignore him?

Bobby – Rightly or wrongly the referee is ultimately the sole judge of decisions and can choose to accept or reject an assistant referee’s call.

Craigyf - What did you watch at the weekend and what results surprised you. You were there; in Toronto; on TV DC United looked formidable and comfortable. How good would you rate them after seeing them in the flesh?

Bobby – I recorded the early game (Liverpool and Sunderland) on DVD and watched it on the plane. The TFC vs. DC United game obviously and then on Sunday large chunks of the Juventus and Inter games. Finished off with United and Spurs and all the highlights on Sunday and Monday when I got back home.
I had watched DC United the week before against the Crew and thought that they looked very good in the second half. They’re a team looks very confident in their ability to hold possession by passing the ball – they really hit their rhythm in the 2nd half against Toronto. To beat them you would have to press them very hard for 90 minutes and not allow them to settle - otherwise they will pick you apart.

Craigyf - So how would Platini's plan affect the UEFA CUP? Currently don't you go into the UEFA Cup if you win either of the two English Cups?

Bobby – The UEFA Cup needs a major makeover anyway. They would probably change the criteria so that if a team that finished in the top 3 also won the FA Cup then the FA Cup runner up would qualify for the lesser trophy and the 4th place Premiership team would get a CL spot.

Eponymous - Would like to Bobby to weigh on this - I think UEFA/FIFA needs to make some kind of decision as to the consistency of 3rd party ownership across leagues in Europe (and elswhere).

Bobby – The third-part ownership thing is a real can of worms. Despite what we have heard over the last year or so regarding the Tevez situation third-party ownership is not illegal in England. What does constitute a problem is when a third-party owner retains the right the make a decision regarding the player – for example Player X won’t play this weekend because the third party owner says he is injured and has the contractual right to withdraw the player. However, I would agree that the present situation is a mess and needs FIFA to rule. The problem is that is some areas of the world third party owners provide a real service by helping players get overseas contracts by actively promoting the player to foreign clubs – something that local clubs may be unable to do.
Finally I think when you strip away the third party issue with Fernandes you find that it is no different than what has been going on for years – players changing their mind. It’s how Roy Keane finished up at Old Trafford rather than Ewood Park.

Bigdavedisaster – What’s your British 11 all time?

Bobby – Here goes. Criteria post 60’s and 4-3-3 formation.
Gordon Banks; Alex Hamilton, John Charles, Bobby Moore, Danny McGrain; George Best, Bobby Charlton, Dave MacKay; Jimmy Johnstone, Denis Law, Jimmy Greaves.
Substitutes – Pat Jennings, Paul Madeley (he really could play any position), Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Bryan Robson.

CIAO - I just read that Solskjaer retired due to his long running injury troubles. Have you heard the same? How did you rate him? Even though I dislike United, somehow I became a fan of Ole Gunner.Also do you think SAF will be back in the market for a striker? If so, I would imagine Gudjohnsen would be the perfect replacement -what do you think? I bet SAF is kicking himself for letting Rossi go.

Bobby – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was one of the best pure goal scorers in the last decade or so. However, beyond that I think he will be remembered by United fans for his loyalty. This is a player that had many chances to move away and get regular first team football but opted to stay and fight for his place and to sit on the bench waiting for his chance if need be. The problem that United has it that there is literally only hours left to do a deal and their doesn’t seem to be much on the horizon – there again he may pull a rabbit out of the hat once more although I would surprised if it was Gudjohnsen. He’s more a supporter striker and United need someone who plays up top.

CIAO - What do you make of the following reports:
1. Chelsea are bidding for Ronaldinho
2. Inter are considering loaning out Adriano
3. Inter are considering bidding for Deco
I personally think Chelsea might be better off as is. If they do make the bid then I imagine they would need to sell off Ballack. I don't really think Inter will make a bid for Deco, if they had plans to do so they would have already done so... right?

Bobby – Adriano on loan makes sense. As for the Ronaldinho story – a bit late to start making a move I would say. Deco – same thing.

Henry14 - 1.What do you know and can you pass a judgment on what’s going on between Portsmouth and Nugent.
2. Red Rom wants Ronnie do you see it happening by Friday although l do not have an idea why they would wait until the last minute?
3. Who is the better player Martins and Owen as we see them and going into the future if they both stay fit?

Bobby –1. Sometimes a player just doesn’t fit in to a new club and it’s often better to move him on. 2. A move for Ronaldinho makes no sense to me either. And I thought Mourinho was supposed to calling the shots again.
3. A fully fit Michael Owen is a much better player and scorer than Obafemi Martins.